Piano Lessons in Los Altos, CA

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose guitar because I was naturally good at it, and I could play well. I was inspired by guitarists and guitar music, such as rock, classical, and jazz. I was not sure that I would be able to play guitar because I thought that it was very difficult to learn Eventually, the right teachers came along and I became more confident and skilled. So guitar was by far the right choice for me. I was just good at using the guitar to write songs and express myself. I soon became an accomplished guitarist.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I formed a successful rock group when I was a teenager. We were a recognized, touring heavy metal group and we headlined concert venues in the region. We won a local "Battle of the Bands." After I completed a few years of college, I got back into the music scene again, this time as a recording artist. Soon, my recordings were recognized for excellence in instrumental rock performance. My music was reviewed and I was nominated for local music industry awards. When I began teaching guitar, years later, my guitar lessons were rated as best in the region. I am proud of all of those accomplishments.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Some of my students have improved their musical skills and their music careers becasue of the lessons that they took from me. Some have gone on to start or continue their music careers as regularly performing solo guitarists or memebers of musical groups. Some students have confided in me that lessons helped them get accepted into the college of their choice. At the same time, guitar lessons helpled them become more confident and recognized in high school. Most of my students learn a great deal, and it helps them in life.

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
I think that guitar performance is difficult. Wheras, practicing at home, is important, getting in front of an audience is part of being a good guitarist. Some people are shy, bur it is important to share their talent, skills, and music with others. Performing live also builds confidence and skill. Also, music performance can make them some extra money, if they learn to market themselves. Reading music is also difficult at first, but it's a valuable skill that can lead to more opportunities and accomplishments.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I recommend the "Picture Chord Encyclopedia by Hal Leonard," as well as Mel Bay's "Encyclopedia of Scales." These books proved a great resource to students who are expanding their chord and scale vocabulary. The pictures provide a good way to recognize chord shapes. The scale patterns are good for visual learners. Chordal and scalular playing are two main areas of guitar playing. These books can be helpful in forming the foundation for lifelong guitar learning and progress. These books can be purchased at amazon.com

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A practice session is different for me depending on what music I am studying. If, for example, I am preparing for a performance, the practice routine is different than if I am studying because I want to learn a specific song or composition. If I am studying classcial music ,for example, I will listen to the music first, trying to understand the composer's intent for the composition. I will pay close attention to every nuance of the piece in order to capture the composition's feeling, mood, texture, and phrasing. Then, I will get the standard notation/tablature and begin to play the piece on the classical guitar. As I am memorizing the notes on the guitar, I also to listen to recorded works of the music. It is essential for me to have both the music and a recording of a performance in order to understand the music When learning a list of songs for a particular project the process is similar, but may also involve a dress rehersal or a rehersal with a band.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
My degree is in the Humanities, and while not a music major, I focused on music. I studied music theory, music history, music appreciation, and classical guitar. In addition, many years in the music industry has provided me with professional experience in sound engineering, performance, music marketing, composition, as well as private instruction, both as a guitar teacher and as a student. I chose this track because it allowed me the most freedom to write my own songs, and release music and perform music. My background is unique, and based on my personality and preferences. I think that every musician and guitarist should choose a path that inspires and motivates them.

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